Page 22 of Soulmates and Slapshots (Love in Maple Falls #6)

FIONA

I stare at my phone, frozen in place, unable to move a muscle. My heart is pounding in my chest and my thoughts are swirling, trying to process what just happened. Is this real?

I did it. I accepted the job offer from AirWinds Publishing.

It was such an incredible opportunity, I couldn’t say no. But that’s not the reason I’m sitting here in total disbelief. Everything I was planning just shifted in a matter of a few minutes.

I'm not going back to New York—at least not for good. But I will be returning to pack up my things for the cross-country move to Maple Falls. This little town somehow feels more like home than the city ever did.

The moment they made the offer, I took a chance and asked if there was any way I could work remotely, traveling to the office at least once a month.

I was expecting a no, but instead, my soon-to-be boss, Tanya, said yes.

Apparently, they have several other editors on staff who commute.

She said I’d receive a formal email confirming everything within a few hours.

I keep replaying the conversation in my head, wondering if I imagined it. I pinch myself just to make sure I’m not dreaming.

I don’t know what to do next.

My first instinct is to call my parents, tell my aunt, and call Weston. But I don’t do any of those things. I want to be sure this is real before I share it with anyone. I need to see it in writing, making sure it’s not too good to be true.

At this time yesterday, I’d made up my mind that New York was where I was meant to be.

And I’ve been talking myself into making peace with that decision.

Then last night I spent time with Weston after his game, trying to convince myself that this wasn’t the end.

I was starting to convince myself that we could figure out a way to stay connected.

That whatever brought us together wouldn’t be gone in a flash.

I believe with my whole heart that his trade to the Ice Breakers and my visit to Maple Falls were meant to be.

To distract myself I get busy with laundry and cleaning up my aunt’s cottage. Every few minutes, I stop to refresh my inbox.

I need to call Hayley. This news needs to be done over the phone and not by text.

She knows about the job offer, but I’d made it clear it wasn’t final.

Of course she was already planning my return.

At least with this updated offer I’ll be visiting New York monthly, and we’ll still see each other regularly.

But I know it won’t be the same. I won’t be living a few blocks away from my best friend anymore.

She’ll be upset at first. But in the end, she’ll understand. That’s what best friends do.

As for my parents, I already know they’ll support me no matter what coast I’m living on .

I open the french doors and step outside into the chilly November air. The breeze picks up, so I pull my sweater tightly around me. In this moment it hits me. This feels right.

After a few seconds, I hear my phone buzzing from my pocket, and I scramble to grab it.

It’s the email from Tanya. My official offer is here, detailing every update we discussed. I couldn't have imagined it would work out so perfectly.

A mix of emotions suddenly takes over—relief, joy, disbelief. Tears fill my eyes because for the first time in weeks, I don’t feel like I’m being pulled in different directions. I know I belong here in Maple Falls. With Weston.

Dabbing at the corners of my eyes, I exhale and scroll to his number. My hands are shaking as I type the message.

Hi. Can we meet up sometime today?

I quickly hit send. I’m sure he’s still at practice so he will see my message when he’s done. Then I shoot a quick message to my parents. I’ll call them later, but first I need to speak with my aunt.

I slip on my boots, grab my coat, and head out toward the lodge. I already know my aunt will be thrilled. And I have no doubt she’ll let me stay until I find a place of my own.

For the first time in a while, everything feels like it’s falling into place. When I left New York to come here, I was a mess. I came looking for some clarity, and that’s exactly what I found.

I don’t think I’ve ever seen my aunt cry. She’s always carried herself with the highest level of confidence, never letting things get to her. But today when I tell her I’m staying in Maple Falls for good, her eyes fill with tears. She tries to hide it, but it is so obvious.

“You can stay with me as long as you need,” she says clearing her throat. “I love having you.”

That’s when it hits me—it must’ve been lonely being so far away from her family all these years, even though it was her choice. Of course, the moment doesn’t pass without a comment about telling my mother she was right about me staying in Maple Falls. I roll my eyes. Some things will never change.

“Anyway, have you told Weston yet?” she asks, tilting her head with a mischievous grin.

“No…I sent him a text.”

Her eyes grow wide with excitement. “Ohhh, girl. You’re about to make that man’s entire year.”

Heat fills my cheeks as she continues talking. “I need every detail about how that conversation goes.”

I laugh. “Okay, I’ll give you the full report.”

Well, maybe I’ll leave out a few details.

She pulls me into a tight hug. “We need to celebrate soon.”

After I leave the lodge, I take my time strolling through town, allowing myself to truly soak in the charm of Maple Falls. The crisp air is filled with the scent of pine and fresh bread from the bakery. It's surreal to think that this place is about to become my home.

As I turn the corner, my heart skips a beat. Weston is crossing the street, dressed in sweats and carrying a duffle bag over his shoulder. His hair is messy, and his cheeks are red, so he must’ve just come from practice .

As I head toward him, his eyes meet mine.

“Hey,” he calls out, with a wide grin showcasing his dimples. “This is a nice surprise.”

I return the smile. “I was thinking the same thing. Did you get my text?”

He shakes his head. “I was running late this morning and forgot my phone at home.”

“Oh.” My excitement continues to build, I can barely contain it.

He studies me for a second. “What’s up?”

I take a deep breath. “Well…I have some news.”

His brows lift. “Okay…do you want to sit?” He gestures toward a bench beneath a nearby maple tree.

I nod, following him to the bench. As we sit, the breeze sends leaves around us.

“Oh wow,” he murmurs, shaking his head.

“What?” I ask.

He points to the sidewalk. “We met right over there. Remember?”

I grin again. “You’re right. I remember it perfectly.”

He reaches over and takes my hand, his thumb brushing over my knuckles. “Okay, what’s the big news?”

My heart is pounding so loudly I’m sure he can hear it. “Well, I got an updated offer from the new publishing company. And…it’s even better than I imagined.”

His eyes light up, and he squeezes my hand. “That’s amazing. Congratulations.”

I clear my throat trying to swallow the lump that’s formed. “While I was talking to my new boss this morning, I decided to take a chance and make a few requests. I didn’t expect them to agree to any of it, but they did. And I’ll be working remotely, with a trip to the city each month.”

He blinks, his expression unreadable. “Remotely? ”

I nod again, unable to speak for a few seconds. “It means…I’m staying. I’m staying in Maple Falls.”

For a moment, he just stares at me. And then without a word he pulls me into his arms, holding me tightly. His embrace is solid, and any doubts I’d been carrying have vanished. This is where I’m meant to be.

“I can’t believe this,” he says, his voice full of urgency.

“Neither can I,” I whisper. “I wouldn’t let myself believe it until I got the confirmation email.”

He leans back just enough to look at me. “I’ve been trying to be strong about all of this…but the thought of you leaving felt like losing my best friend. It’s only been a short time, but for some reason, it feels like we’ve known each other forever.”

My eyes fill with tears. “I feel the same way. It’s not crazy, right?”

He shakes his head. “I don’t think it’s crazy.”

“That’s good to know.”

“So I have a question…does this mean you’ll be my girlfriend?”

Tears spill over as I nod. “I was hoping you’d ask.”

He chuckles. “Well, you did spend a small fortune at a bachelor auction just to go on a date with me.”

I giggle through the happy tears. “Yes, I did. And it was totally worth it.”

Before I can say another word, he leans in and kisses me, assuring me he’s all in.

Around us, leaves move in the breeze, just a few steps from where we first met.

This is really happening. I’m home, and the most amazing man is right here beside me.

This city girl ended up in a small town, exactly where she’s meant to be. Maybe it’s not so cliché after all.

“I never should’ve let you go to that stupid town,” Hayley wails dramatically, her voice already thick with tears. “You could’ve stayed here, and we would’ve worked through your issues like we always do—with therapy and wine.”

I press my lips together to keep from laughing. That would only make things worse after delivering the news of my move. “You know I needed to get away.”

“I know,” she sniffs. “But now you’re leaving me permanently , and I’m devastated.”

I try to soften the blow. “I’ll be back every month, remember? And I’m staying with you while I’m there.”

“You better,” she snaps, “unless the company puts you up in a five-star hotel. In that case, I’m staying with you . It’s the least you can do for abandoning me.”

I smile. “Absolutely. It’s a deal.”

She lets out an exaggerated sigh. “Honestly, the only reason I’m still speaking to you is because you’re dating a hot professional hockey player. And he has hot hockey player friends. Otherwise, you’d be getting the silent treatment from me until further notice.”

“Fair enough,” I reply with a laugh. “Speaking of hot hockey players…when are you coming to visit me?”

She groans. “Ugh. I don’t know. Give me at least a week to process the fact that you’re officially leaving me.”

“I understand,” I say. I’m relieved because she’s handling this way better than I expected.

She grows quiet for a few seconds before continuing. “Maple Falls is really lucky to have you. ”

My chest tightens and tears prick my eyes. “Not as lucky as I am to have you as my best friend.”

“This is true,” she says.

I laugh. I’m glad she’s at least trying to be funny.

“And I will come visit,” she adds. “I’m very curious to meet Weston.”

“You’ll love him,” I assure her.

“Well, then…that’ll make two of us.”

I chew on my bottom lip, unsure how to respond. I haven’t said the word love out loud, but the feelings I have for Weston are strong. Maybe even stronger than I’m ready to admit.

“Anyway,” I say, steering the conversation, “I’ll see you in a few days.”

I’m heading back to New York to meet with my new boss and start preparing for the move. My next chapter is right around the corner, full of new possibilities. And I know anything can happen.

As the sign at the edge of town says— Welcome to Maple Falls. You’ll Never Want to Leave. And for me, this is true.